Walnut Creek Expands Outdoor Dining To Overlay District

WALNUT CREEK, CA — During the pandemic, the city of Walnut Creek launched the Rebound Program which allowed for new and expanded outdoor dining on a temporary basis. Those outdoor dining options have now been made permanent and folded into an overarching new Outdoor Dining Program.

The city has streamlined the processes and new options are available. While the program was initially for the downtown area, the city has expanded the boundaries to a new Outdoor Dining Overlay District — allowing for more restaurants in the downtown and adjacent areas to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

Options for the outdoor dining program include pop-up style PODS — or Permitted Outdoor Structures — built and operating in public parking spaces. PODS can be built with or without a roof. Other options include an outdoor dining patio on city property, i.e. the sidewalk, with a fenced barrier; a privately owned parking lot dining patio with a concrete perimeter; and sidewalk dining which does not have fencing and therefore, no alcohol service.

According to the city, regulations and guidelines will continue to ensure downtown Walnut Creek remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Restaurants and bars must have an operator permit which dictates things like outdoor music volume, and a license agreement if operating on city property.

Restaurants and bars in the new overlay district can apply for outdoor dining by completing an application on the city's website.

In the coming months, the city will also take a look at how to expand outdoor dining citywide. For now, those who are outside of the overlay district but are interested in outdoor dining can contact the Community Development Department to follow the existing process.